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Nyong'o, Christie join 'Star Wars: Episode VII' cast

For those wishing there were more women in the new Star Wars movie, director J.J. Abrams has answered prayers by adding a newly minted Oscar winner and a Game of Thrones warrior. 12 Years a Slave star Lupita

For those wishing there were more women in the new Star Wars movie, director J.J. Abrams has answered prayers by adding a newly minted Oscar winner and a Game of Thrones warrior.

12 Years a Slave star Lupita Nyong'o, who won the Academy Award for best supporting actress earlier this year, and Gwendoline Christie, the 6-foot-3 British performer who plays Brienne of Tarth on Game of Thrones, have officially joined the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. Lucasfilm announced the news Monday.

"I could not be more excited about Lupita and Gwendoline joining the cast ofEpisode VII," Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement. "It's thrilling to see this extraordinarily talented ensemble taking shape."

Fans were vocal on social media about a lack of female starpower after the initial casting announcement in April mentioned only two actresses: newcomer Daisy Ridley and returning star Carrie Fisher.